DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN AVATAR.

Jake and Neytiri stepped onto the cliff where the Ikrans were gathered. Neytiri turned to Jake.

"You must choose your Ikran. And he must choose you."

"How will I know if he chooses me?" Asked Jake.

"He will try to bill you."

Jake walked among the Ikrans. Most just sat there, but none really took his fancy. Either the size, the shape or the colour was not right. Then suddenly he saw one that looked just perfect. Just the right colour, just the right build. It was an Ikran made for Jake. The Ikran saw Jake and waddled towards him.

"Good afternoon, sir." Said the Ikran formally. "You look like the sort of gentleman who would be interested in a Taronyu class Ikran like myself. Only $25,000 this weekend in our spring special offer. Top of the range and in pristine condition."

"Mmm, interesting. And why would the Taronyu model suit me?" Enquired Jake.

"The Taronyu is in our best range of hunting models." Explained the Ikran. "If you have broused the catalogue on the Ewya-net, you may be aware of out advertising slogan. 'Death from above'. It occurs to me that a stone-cold killer like yourself would appreciate the ability to strike from afar with silent and surgical precision. I believe you were born for this, sir."

jake smiled at the sales-patter of the Ikran. It was like the Ikran was reading his mind. "And what about the Seze model?" Asked Jake.

"Hahaha. Ah, yes, the Seze." The Ikran nodded and laughed almost in derision. "The Seze model is a good versatile little model from our leisure range that is a firm favourite with our female clientelle. It has good manouverability and speed and is great for the school-run, trips to the market, and short errands. But the Seze model is not nearly as physically and psycologically robust as the Taronyu and is more likely to panic and break-down during moments of stress and danger."

"So how would you summarise the main differences between the Taronyu and the Seze?" Asked Jake.

"Basically, if all you want is to feel the wind in your face and your hair while cruising around Iknayama, then the Seze is more than adequate. But if you want to be able to bank hard, then the Taronyu is far superior. The Seze is a great little flashy model for party tricks and showing off to your friends. But the Taronyu is more durable and is the best model available for evasion and pursuit activities. In fact, between you and me." The Ikran lowered his head, looked around to ensure no one could hear and then whispered to Jake. "You could outrun, and perhaps even attack a Toruk with the model I am offering."

"Mmm, yes, in that case I think the Taronyu is the best choice for me." Jake was sure this was a good choice.

"Excellent. I will set up your account on the Ewya-net." Said the Toruk rubbing its claws together. "We can then finalise the contract by making the bond and conducting our first flight."

"Outstanding!"

"By the way." Said the Ikran. "We have a one time-special offer on our combined Ikran-Hometree insurance for this weekend only. It only requires an additional one-off payment of $5,000."

"What does that involve?" Asked Jake.

"It is designed to compensate you for the emotional trauma of losing your Hometree." Explained Jake's new Ikran. "If in the tragic event your Hometree should be destroyed, we will upgrade your Ikran to a Toruk for a two week period to help you get over the loss. There is no better way to get out of the place the eye cannot see than to cruise the skies on the back of a Last Shadow for a few days."

"Sounds good." Jake nodded his approval. He liked the sound of flying a Toruk.

A few minutes later, Jake showed Neytiri his new Ikran.

"Ah, I see you chose the Taronyu model." Smiled Neytiri. "Nice choice. But I hope you didn't take the Hometree insurance. It's such a rip-off."